New Zealand face England in the first semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup. The last time they faced off in an ICC event was in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup where they ended up losing the game. Meanwhile, Aakash Chopra in his pre-match analysis has pointed out some batting woes for the Kiwis which can pose problems for them in the match.
The Kane Williamson-led side made the last four as the second-placed team in Group 2 of the Super 12 stage. Aakash Chopra said that the lack of firepower in the batting lineup can be an issue for the side in the game.
“Do I see a scope of change in the New Zealand XI – No, they go with a set team. But in that, there is a genuine issue which I think they can’t address. They will try to but they can’t.”
Chopra further said that Martin Guptill’s inconsistent form has hurt the batting order big time. He has scored 176 runs at an average of 35.20 in the five innings he has played in the tournament. 93 runs of these runs came in a single knock against Scotland.
“Martin Guptill generally plays well on good pitches, but there has been only one inning in this entire tournament where he batted very well. But it was the Dubai ground and an associate nation in front. He can get slightly stuck here if the pitch is even little slow. He tried to play a slog against Rashid Khan and the ball hit his stumps.”
NZ Lack Batting Depth: Aakash Chopra
Lack of batting depth is another area of concern pointed out by Aakash Chopra. He said that the batting order lacks the power after Kane Williamson with Jimmy Neesham being inconsistent as well.
“You have got Kane Williamson but he is not a great T20 player. After him comes Glenn Phillips, he also played one good knock, in my opinion he has not delivered to his name. Then you get into Jimmy Neesham and a longish tail. The New Zealand team has very little firepower.”
He backed England the game and advance to the final as he concluded his segment.
“England to win, I am going with England to win and making it to the finals. But this is what I am saying” concluded Chopra.
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